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>>ROY ANDJ* 
ROSYROCKS 


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MARY AGNES BYRNE 

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Author of The Tittle Woman in the Spout,” etc. 




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ILLUSTRATED 




Akron, Ohio 

THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY 

New York igo2 Chicago 


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THE LIBRAnV OF 

CONGRESS, 

Two Cowee RecctvCD 

JUL. 9 1902 

entwv 

Ct XXa No. 

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copy B. 


Copyright, 1902, 

BY 

THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY 



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MADE BY 

THE WERNER COMPANY 
AKRON, OHIO 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


Waken up, Sister Dear,” He Cried . . . Frontispiece 

^^Rosyrocks in Her Little Red Flannel Gown was the 

First to Go into the Kitchen ” 30 ^ 

^^Then He Shouted into the Instrument with All the 

Strength of His Lungs” 59 

Evelyn Brought a Large Square of Ice. Cream in to 

Jack on a Dainty White Saucer” 75 







ROY AND ROSYROCKS 


CHAPTER I. 


Holiday Plans 


RS. O’Brien bustled around the kitchen that 
morning, a cheery figure, getting ready to 
go out and telling her plans to Evelyn, a 
^ tall, intelligent looking girl with hazel eyes 
and brown hair, who arranged the break- 
fast things neatly in the cupboard and 
carefully swept the floor. 

“Mrs. Dare will pay me sure to-night, seein’ that 
’tis Christmas eve, we’ll have an early supper and leave 
the wee ones safe at home, while you an’ me an’ Jack’ll 
go to market to get some things for to-morrow.” Evelyn 
looked very much interested. “O mamma, I wish we 
could buy a turkey and a plaster Kris Kringle,” she 
said. 



(7) 


8 


Ror AND Rosyrocks 


“ And an autymobeel out of my week’s wages. Sure, 
turkeys are for the gentry that don’t work. But we’ll 
see my dear. I guess we can buy some candy for the 
children’s stockings anyway,” said Mrs. O’Brien, tying 
on her hood and pinning a black shawl over her ample 
shoulders while giving Evelyn repeated instructions about 
the care of the house and the children. 

“ Tare an’ ages ! ” she cried as a great clamor of 
voices was heard, and three small figures came running 
in from an adjoining room, a tiny girl of perhaps three 
years with dark curls flying around chubby rosy cheeks, 
and two boys of five and eight, the former remarkably 
beautiful with fair straight hair and eyes of deep azure. 
All three circled aroimd Mrs. O’Brien. “ Pwease, pwease,” 
cried the little maid pulling at that lady’s skirts, too ex- 
cited to say more. 

‘‘ Please what, Rosyrocks ? ” asked Mrs. O’Brien. 

“ Can we go wif Dick ? ” the fair boy added, and 
the elder, a sturdy, handsome lad, explained : — 

“ Rosyrocks wants me and Roy to take her to see 
the toys and Santy in Mill & Miller’s windows.” 

“ She wants you, indade, it’s yerselves that want 
her ! Puttin’ such nonsense into the baby’s head ! Why 


Holiday Plans 


9 


you’d all get run over by the cars ! No, no, go no 
farther than Clark’s store, there’s plenty to see there ! ” 

The speaker nodded energetically to emphasize her 
words and hurried away into the cold, brisk, outside 
world leaving three disappointed creatures behind. 

Only as far as Clark’s ! Why that was merely two 
squares away ! They saw those windows every day, 
they were tired admiring the Christmas things in Clark’s 
windows ! They knew in which corner the prettiest balls 
hung, just where the most beautiful doll stood staring out 
with wide unwinking eyes, they had discussed each toy 
until they knew them all by heart. 

Rosyrocks claimed the doll as her own property and 
the boys had picked out gaily striped bugles for them- 
selves and a huge Chinese lantern for Jack, the oldest boy, 
who was generally absent doing chores out of school 
hours, — for Mrs. O’Brien had a great reverence tor educa- 
tion, her children were sent to school rain or shine often 
with very little in their stomachs. If overeating detracts 
from scholarship surely the O’Brien children should have 
been the brightest scholars in their respective rooms, and 
in fact they were among the brightest. But to return to 
that window. There was a lovely workbasket for Mrs. 


10 


7 ? or AND Rostrocks 


O’Brien and a cut steel purse for Evelyn, no one was 
forgotten, and the things hung undisturbed in Clark’s 
window day after day. 

Among the crowd of admiring small folk who con- 
gregated before those windows, the three O’Briens, as 
the neighbors called them — though Roy and Rosyrocks 
were no kin to the O’Briens — were sure to be found 
some time between four and six o’clock every day for the 
past week — the week before Christmas — the happiest 
time, except of course the great day itself, of all the year. 

They would no doubt have been perfectly content 
with Clark’s show of Christmas joy had not the serpent 
in the form of an older boy made them dissatisfied by 
comparing Clark’s display with the windows of up-town 
establishments, to the disparagement of the home store. 

“You h’d just ought a see the dolls there, big as real 
girls,” the horns and jumping-jacks, all so superior, and 
a real live Santa Claus who walked into the window and 
bowed to the people watching outside. 

Dick glanced at Rosyrocks’s shining countenance. 
How he would love to show her the real Kris ! He and 
Roy whispered to each other. They decided to learn 
the way to Mill & Miller’s and ask permission to go 


Holiday Plans 


n 


there the very next day, with what success we have 
already seen. 

Mrs. O’Brien’s family — her husband being dead — 
consisted of Jack, fourteen years of age, Evelyn, and Dick. 
They occupied a small house of four rooms in a narrow 
street ; in fact it had once been known as Tree alley 
but a good-natured councilman who owned property 
there had the name changed to Tremaine street, which 
pleased the tenants, for who would not rather live on 
Tremaine street than in Tree alley ? But it the street 
was narrow it was kept as clean as many broad avenues 
and the dwellers therein were all poor, of course, but 
respectable. 

A year previous one of the shabby houses, the one next 
door to the O’Briens’, was occupied by a young widow 
who supported her two children by sewing. She was 
stricken down by a sudden fatal illness, no friends ap- 
peared to succor her ; Mrs. O’Brien did all she could 
for the poor woman before and during her sickness, 
sharing her small portion of worldly goods and giving 
liberally of her work and care. She promised to look 
after the babes in case ‘‘anything happened”; her sin- 
cerity and good-will shining forth eased the mother’s 


12 


Rot and Rostrocks 


dying hours and she slept away as happy as possible 
under the circumstances, commending her children to 
the Lord, and to the kind oflHces of Mrs. O’Brien. 

So Mrs. O’Brien’s family was augmented by those 
two and neither she nor her children ever regretted 
having taken them in. It increased her burden, of course, 
and lessened the portions of her own children, but that 
was never thought of, they had learned to love the lit- 
tle brown maid and quiet Roy, her brother, and the little 
ones ceased to grieve for their mother who had gone 
to a beautiful home in Heaven where she still loved and 
watched over them, as Evelyn often told them when 
they sat on a bench in the park in the warm summer 
evenings. 

Roy designated a big star which kept close to the 
moon as the one behind which his mamma kept watch. 

They wondered what kept the stars suspended in 
the sky, they could see no sustaining props. 

And they are so big — much larger than they look,” 
Evelyn said. 

As big as my head ? ” inquired Rosyrocks. 

Heaps bigger ! Why we couldn’t see 3^our head 
if ’twas as far away as the moon,” returned Evelyn. 


Holiday Plans 


13 


“Your neck would have to be as long as an ostrich’s 
to reach clear there,” said Dick. 

Rosyrocks stretched her neck until Roy declared, 
“It must be a rubber neck.” 

“ If the moon would come down halfway you might 
be able to reach it,” Dick said to console her. 

That was several months ago, now the parks were 
left in their deserted wintry splendor and the children had 
no desire to sit there, they wished to take that journey 
up town instead, but that being forbidden, they played 
around the house until almost midday when the}" asked 
permission of Evelyn to run up to Clark’s, concluding un- 
gratefully that at any rate it was better than nowhere. 

Reaching there they found to their dismay that Rosy- 
rocks’s big doll was gone ! Tears stood in her eyes, she 
was ready to break forth into loud wailing when Dick 
who knew the signals took hold of her hand and 
whispered ; — 

“ Maybe Kris Kringle took it to put in his pack for 
you.” 

One of the daily devotees at the windows — a flaxen- 
haired girl of eight — assured them that she had seen an 
old gentleman, with long, white beard carry it away all 


14 


ROT AND ROSTROCKS 


bundled up, which declaration comforted Rosyrocks for 
that description just fitted Santa Claus. 

“Did you see his sweigh ?” she demanded. 

“Yes, there was a sleigh waiting at the store door.” 

“ It Tvas Kris then,” declared Roy. Rosyrocks thus 
pacified proceeded to make choice of another doll, this 
time a tiny all-china one. 

“So easy to dress a little dollie,” said the flaxen- 
haired girl,” I picked out that one next to yours for my 
baby sister. I told muvver about it and sister’s to hol- 
low up the chimney for it to-night. I hope Santa Claus 
won’t make a mistake and bring her that ugly rag doll 
instead ! ” 

How delighted they all were to be sure until that tall 
serpent of a boy came along again with still more won- 
derful news of the doings at Mill & Miller’s. 

Santa Claus was actually giving away packages of 
candy to each boy or girl who came ! 

“And you h’d just ought a see the trees up in Dia- 
mond square,” he continued, “ Looks like the woods and 
smells — awful good, and }mu kin pick up branches like 
this,” he added, swinging a branch before their astonished 
vision. 


Holidat Plans 


15 


Rosyrocks looked inquiringly, wistfully, at the two 
boys. 

“ It’s only a few squares off maybe Evie’ll let us all 
go after dinner,” ruminated Dick whose dearest wish was 
always to carry out the little girl’s desires. 

Evelyn said she “ would see ” after lunch. 

While they were eating Jack came in breathless, 
his round face shining. He took his place at the table 
and spread out several pieces of silver on the cloth. 

“Look there ladies and gents, ain’t I rich? A man 
gave me that fifty for carrying a valise and I got the 
rest toting baskets. But I oughtn’t to speak to you com- 
mon poor folks,” he concluded, becoming suddenly very 
grave and pocketing the money with a flourish. 

Rosyrocks looked at him not knowing whether to 
laugh or to cry until he caught her glance and the 
twinkle in his eyes decided her. 

She pursed out her lips roguishly, ‘‘Bad boy — won’t 
speak to bad Jack ! ” Then they had a playful scuffle. 
Jack hoisted her to the ceiling, she screaming all the 
while in pretended fear until Evelyn declared energetic- 
ally that they should stop the “ racket ” and finish lunch 
if she was ever to get through work that day. 


10 


ROr AND ROSVROCKS 


After dinner she sent the three younger ones into 
the next room to play while she and Jack had a long 
talk concerning the disposal of his wealth. A whole 
dollar would buy so much ! 

They found it hard to decide about a present for 
their mother, Jack wanting a gorgeous crimson shopping 
bag priced fifty cents which had struck his fancy in a 
window, while Evelyn, more practical, thought that a nice 
white lace tie to wear Sundays would answer better. 

“ She can wear the red bag Sundays. I see lots ot 
ladies with ’em hanging from their belts.” 

“ But mamma doesn’t wear a belt ! She would just 
put it away in the bureau, while the tie would be so 
nice and useful ! ” 

Jack permitted his sister to have her way about it 
though he was not brought to her view of the case, 
the thought of the bag haunted him like a crimson ghost. 
Then they proceeded to the others. 

“ There are some lovely wooden toys at the five 
and ten cent store, chairs and churns and other things, 
white wood with painted flowers, and cheap — some only 
a few cents apiece — we can get for Rosyrocks and 
horns for the boys and ” 


H OLID AT Plans 


17 


“And a doll for the baby too,” broke in Jack who 
had heard all about the disappearance ot the wonderful 
big doll. 

“Yes, we’ll get the little one she picked out,” said 
Evelyn. 

After making all those purchases Jack’s dollar would 
be gone but he had an extra quarter hidden away to buy 
a fairy book for Evelyn, and Evelyn knew all the time 
the exact kind ot a knife that she and her mother were 
to get for Jack that evening. 

How delightful were all those mysterious “ confabs ” 
for while the two elders were whispering at the table the 
three younger ones were planning about the load of pine 
they expected to bring home. 

Dick and Roy could easily carry an armload and 
Rosyrocks a small piece. They would decorate the 
kitchen while Mrs. O’Brien, Jack, and Evelyn were up 
town that evening. Wouldn’t it be a big surprise for 
them and wouldn’t Kris Kringle be astonished to see 
how fine they were when he came down the chimney ! 

In the meantime Evelyn having washed up the dishes 
and left everything in place, came in to get ready to 
accompany her brother to the store. 


18 


Rot and Rostrocks 


“I hate this old hat,” she muttered standing before 
a diminutive mirror adjusting the detested object. 

“ Why Evie ? ” asked Rosyrocks who stood watching 
her interestedly. 

“ It’s all out of style. Look at that plume, it stands 
up like an Indian’s war-lock ever since the day I was 
caught out in the rain. Besides flowers are the correct 
thing now,” returned Evelyn with a young-lady-like air. 

“But you wook wovey Evie,” cried Rosyrocks. 
Evelyn kissed her and proceeded to fasten on her shabby 
coat. 

Jack having come to the door all ready, stood grum- 
bling about the long time it took a girl to put on her 
things. 

“After all Eve” he sang out good-naturedly, “‘’Tis 
not fine feathers that make fine birds!”’ 

“Yes, but they make fine hats'' replied Evelyn vexed 
as she saw the reflection of that belligerent plume in the 
glass. 

Suddenly she dragged oft her hat, tore away the 
offending plume and carried it to the kitchen stove. The 
others watched her in dismay, was she going to burn it 
they wondered, but no, she only held it before the grate 


Ho LI DAT Plans 


19 


in the heat until being curled to her satisfaction, she 
deftly fastened it back into its place. 

They all praised the result, it certainly looked more 
graceful now ! 

“ I shouldn’t wonder if you would be a fashionable 
milliner when you grow up,” said Jack. 

He felt proud of his tall, capable sister as they walked 
along side by side. Someway Evelyn had a certain air 
in spite of her shabby clothes which distinguished her 
from the other fellows’ sisters. 


CHAPTER II. 


Christmas Cheer 



ICK and Roy and the little girl watched 
\ them from the sidewalk until they 
•T turned the corner out of sight. 


They had promised faithfully to 
be back at half past three when the 


stay at homes were in turn to go forth in search of 
Christmas adventures. 

“We kin hide the pine branches under the stairs 
until ma and the rest go to market and then ” 

“And then we’ll dec-er-o-rate,” interrupted Roy, 
who to make sure he had a word of sufficient length 
generally added a syllable or two. 

In the midst of their plotting Ros^/rocks fell fast 
asleep on the floor. Dick placed a pillow under her 
head and drew her nearer to the fire. Then the boys 
played soldier with a set of battered dominoes and 


C//R/ST3/AS Cheer 


21 


watched the clock to see how much longer they had 
to wait. At last they heard footsteps. Jack came in 
whistling with empty hands but there was a suspicious 
bulge in his coat pocket. Evelyn, whose arms were filled 
with small packages, loitered behind until Jack came 
back and indicated which room she could enter unseen. 

The stir disturbed Rosyrocks who sat up wide awake 
crying, “ Le’s go to the woods, le’s go ! ” 

Evelyn bundled her up warmly with a shoulder shawl 
belonging to Mrs. O’Brien, and then her own sacque 
put on over that until Jack declared she looked like a 
stuffed doll. 

She was too eager to be off to wait and have a 
tumble with him but gave a hand to each of the younger 
boys and they all sallied forth. 

How clear and cold and bracing was the atmos- 
phere, how happy and animated everyone appeared, run- 
ning with bundles hither and thither seemingly in a mad 
rush but each one having some objective point. 

The store people were busy waiting on the crowds, 
wrapping up packages, showing the goods, the toys. Oh ! 
the wonderful windows, one filled with dolls alone, of 
all sizes and kinds and conditions and prices ! 


22 


R02^ AND ROSTROCKS 


It was hard to coax Rosyrocks from that particular 
place ; she made choice of first one doll then another, 
each one for some especial excellence ; she could have 
carried away an armful and yet leave plenty for any new- 
comer. 

Even the boys were impressed. Surely can’t be 
any more at Mill & Miller’s,” said Dick. They all felt 
comforted in some way now for having missed that much 
vaunted display. 

At last Rosyrocks allowed herself to be taken captive 
again and they resumed their journey. 

As they approached the square where the trees were 
for sale they smelled the balsamy odor of the pines, they 
quickened their steps and lo ! what a beautiful sight met 
their wide open, admiring eyes ! 

All around the square were hundreds and hundreds 
of trees — big, little, and medium-sized. Those which 
grew along the street were used to support great tall 
pines until you would suppose they had actually grown 
right there. Then there was moss, great sheets of it, 
and holly in strings, and wreaths with bright coral berries. 
Men and boys stood around selling the green stuff ; there 
were many buyers, the prosperous appearing delegation 


Christmas Cheer 


23 


who came to choose a large tree for a Sunday-school 
or festival ; the elegantly attired ladies who had only to 
order whatever they wished sent home ; the laborer and 
his wife who parleyed over two small trees, the price 
at last deciding them to buy the smaller ; the old grand- 
mother stooped with her load of years, but having the 
heart of a child, who bargained and joked with the seller, 
and secured a tiny slip of a tree at a reduced rate ; the 
children delighted to find a small branch which they 
might carry home for the picking up, and countless others 
were there. 

It was Roy’s and Rosyrocks’s first glimpse of such 
a scene. Dick who had been there the year before led 
them to where the most desirable views were to be had. 

“Does they all gwow here ?” inquired the baby whose 
eyes could not open wide enough to take it all in properly, 
so she kept her 'mouth open to its widest capacity and 
clung tightly to her companions, while they all tramped 
gaily along with glistening eyes and glowing cheeks, 
their noses sniffing in the piny air as if they would 
never get enough of it. 

“ No, Rosyrocks, they grow away off in the moun- 
tains,” answered Dick. 


24 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


Then how’d they get here ? ’’ asked Roy with a 
puzzled air. 

^^Cut ’em down and sent ’em on the boats and 
trains. Tell you what they must make a big cra-a-ack 
when the ax cuts ’em ! ” 

Poor izzle twees,” cried Rosyrocks ready to burst 
into tears, until the boys comforted her by explaining 
the brilliant destiny of the trees, how they would be 
taken to different houses and trimmed with candles and 
bright balls and toys and cornucopias. 

^^Wighted candles?” she asked. 

^^Yes, teeny weenty ones, every color, green and 
blue and pink and yellow, real lights, so Santa Claus 
sitting on top of the tree can see the good boys and girls.” 

^^I’s a good girl,” she cried, jumping up and down 
on her small cold feet, ^^an’ so’s Woy an’ Evie an’ 
Dick an’ Jack too — sometimes!” 

They gathered up quite a lot of small green branches 
as they went along. Rosyrocks was given the prettiest 
piece to carry but it proved a hard undertaking, she 
was obliged to stumble along alone without any sup- 
port, and the ground was slippery in places, so the boys 
induced her to give up her piece until they should reach 


C//J^/STMAS Cheer 


25 


home, and then she held onto their coats to keep from 
falling, their hands being occupied with their burdens 
of green. 

It was growing dark ; the venders at different points 
lit great torches among the pines which lent an added 
charm to the scene. 

The striking of the town clock reminded our little 
friends of the hour. 

“ Half past four, time to go home,” announced Dick. 
He stooped and picked up something from the ground. 

“ Hello, what’s this,” he said. 

“Well, I de-cla-ir, if it isn’t a dime ! ” cried Roy. 

Rosyrocks clapped her hands. 

“ What’ll we get with it Rosyrocks ? ” asked the 
finder. 

“ A weaf, a weaf, with big red berrs ! ” she replied 
breathless with joy. They all proceeded to a stand, and 
after some “dickering” bought a wreath with a fair 
supply of berries ; the man wanted a quarter and even 
forty cents for many of them and he assured the chil- 
dren that theirs was a great bargain. 

The boys carried the wreath turn about, slipping it 
over their heads until it rested on their shoulders. Rosy- 


26 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


rocks tried it one turn but it proved too clumsy, the 
leaves pricked her lace, so she gave it up reluctantly. 

On reaching home Dick crept softly in at the front 
door to hide the spoils while the others went around to 
the kitchen. 

How warm and cozy it looked, coming in from the 
bleak outside, the stove glowed red hot, the lamp was 
lit, the small square table spread for supper, there was 
an appetizing smell of corn pone, fried sausage, and steam- 
ing coffee, everything almost ready. Mrs. O’Brien had 
come home some time before and with Evelyn’s help 
prepared an early supper in order to have as much time 
as possible for their shopping tour. When Jack, who 
was out selling papers, came home they all took their 
places at the table with sharp appetites. The Christmas 
air filled the room, that happy atmosphere of mystery 
when everybody has some delightful thing to conceal, 
even those who have been the closest planning together for 
others, had something hid from one another, some thrilling 
surprise, and each person had suspicions of everyone else. 

Rosyrocks could hardly refrain from speaking of that 
wonderful wreath, but she was a wise little creature, the 
boys knew they could trust her. 


Christmas Cheer 


27 


Roy indeed said, “ Auntie Bry please give me another 
piece of ■pine ” and nobody seemed to notice except Dick 
and the baby who looked scared, the others thought he 
referred to the corn pone which was what he really did 
want. 

The three smaller conspirators gave sly glances at 
each other and smiled half smiles of understanding which 
said as plainly as words, “ They never even dream of 
the pine and the wreath that nve know about ! ” 

At last supper over and the work done Mrs. O’Brien 
with her two eldest children went out to buy substantials 
and the gifts which remained to be purchased, — at the 
last hour Christmas eve there always is something still 
to be bought. 

Mrs. O’Brien kept her son beside her in one store 
while Evelyn at a distant counter selected his gift and 
later in the evening Evelyn was lured away to leave 
Jack free to make other purchases. 

He found a decided bargain in a large book store, 
a book of fairy tales, the binding somewhat soiled but 
not noticeably so, which costing originally thirty cents 
he bought for half price, then there was a cute little 
ink-well in a box, another present for Evelyn. 


28 


R07^ AND ROSTROCKS 


They all three selected the gifts for the little ones 
at home. As Evelyn said with a sigh of satisfaction, ^^it 
was all managed beautifully.^’ 

At the market they got a great bag of fruit, a smaller 
one of candy, and some clear candy toys. It was so late 
then that everything was wonderfully cheap. It was 
hard to elbow their way through the crowd of people 
with baskets and bundles sticking out in all directions, 
however, it was a holiday crowd, excited but good-natured, 
and they all managed to pass and repass some way or 
other. 

The O’Briens wending their way homeward at last 
met many others who apparently had just started out to 
buy though the majority were going home, their arms 
filled with bundles of every description. 

^^Half past ten and all’s well,” chanted Jack who 
saw the time in a jeweler’s shop ; soon thereafter they 
were safe at home. 

They expected to find the children fast asleep but 
to make sure Mrs. O’Brien went in first and listened at 
the door ; she motioned the others after several minutes 
to conceal the packages, which being done, they all en- 
tered the kitchen. 


Christmas Cheer 


29 


How surprised they were. “Well did you ever!” 
“ Isn’t it lovely 1 ” “ Sly things, where did you get it.” 
“What’s this at all, at all!” were their many exclama- 
tions, for the kitchen was transformed into a greenland 
bower, and the three little ones charmed with their suc- 
cess danced around it like fairies. The pine was fas- 
tened around everywhere — above the stove — at the top 
of the red cupboard — on the white sash curtain — around 
the calendar on the wall ; and the wreath with its glis- 
tening berries hung around the clock on the mantel- 
piece. 

The children were overwhelmed with praises for the 
artistic way in which they had decerorated as Roy called 
it, then the stockings were hung, Santa Claus hailed up 
the chimney for the hundredth time that day and they 
were all ordered to bed though they declared they were 
too excited to think of sleep. 

Rosyrocks saying her prayers asked “ Kwis ” to 
“bwess” everybody and when they all laughed at her 
mistake she hid her face in Auntie Bry’s lap. 

In spite of predictions to the contrary the three 
children were soon fast asleep and as for the others 
what they did after everything was quiet and no one 


30 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


but Santa Claus was supposed to be around, I don’t 
know for sure, and if I did Pm not supposed to tell 
for you understand it was all a great secret. 

Why is it that on Christmas morning all the house 
is astir so early ? Even the veriest sleepyheads who 
keep themselves under cover as late as possible every 
other morning, on that great day are among the earliest 
to awake and hurry out. Why of course it’s all on ac- 
count of Santa Claus ! And when the first waking 
glance sees the snow-covered world outside how much 
luore Christmas-like it seems to be sure, for Christmas 
without its snowy robe is not half so nice. That is 
what the O’Brien family thought for the snow had 
come down the night before and lay thick on the 
streets and houses. 

Rosyrocks in her little red flannel gown was the 
first to go into the kitchen. How she screamed, giving 
shriek after shriek of delight as the bulging stockings 
hanging heavily from the mantelpiece met her glance. 

“ O, Auntie Bwy ! O, Dick! O, Woy 1 O, Evie ! 
O, Jack ! O, Kwis 1 O, Gosh ! ” she cried each name 





“Rosvrocks in. Hkr Li'itlk Rkd Flan.nkl (jOwn was the First to 


Go INTO THE KtI'CHEN 












Christmas Cheer 


31 


louder than the one preceding. The rest joined in with 
Oh’s and Ah’s, admiring all the presents and wondering 
how Santa Claus could think of everybody and just the 
things that each one most desired ! 

In some manner the small centre table had found 
its way out from the front room and most of the pres- 
ents were displayed on it, the stockings sufficing for 
candy and fruit. There were Rosyrocks’s wooden toys, 
chairs, a table, and a churn, besides her tiny doll ; Dick’s 
and Roy’s horns ; a wagon to “ go shares ” in ; Evelyn’s 
book and box ; Jack’s beautiful knife ; Mrs. O’Brien’s 
tie, an elegant affair, not to forget mitts and stockings 
which that lady had knit for each one, besides a piece 
of ribbon for Rosyrocks and a wider ribbon for Eve. 

The big people were as much surprised as the 
smaller ones. Evelyn hugged her book, thinking of the 
many hours of pleasure it would give her, and Jack 
opened all the blades of his knife, just the thing he had 
wished for, while Mrs. O’Brien was very proud of her 
new tie. 

Jack had a lingering regret for the red bag he had 
thought of giving his mother ; he told her about it later 
in the day and she assured him that the tie was more 


32 


Ror AND ROSTROCKS 


suitable for her. “Sure Pd never think of wearing such 
a grand thing as that,” she concluded, but Jack was 
afraid she only said that to comfort him. 

Then they had breakfast and all of them, big and 
little, went off to church to give thanks and praise to 
the Infant King who had come to bless the world on 
the first Christmas day. 


CHAPTER III. 


A Gloomy Outlook 


RS. O’Brien came in one evening several days 
later looking very solemn. 

“ I’ve hurt my hand,” she said. Then 
^ Evelyn noticed for the first time how her 
mother was supporting her right hand 
with the left. 

«o mamma ! ” she cried dismayed ; for the arm 
seemed to bend forward in a bow. 

“ It’s nothin’ to go crazy about, only a little sprain 
I guess. I slipped on the ice just after I left Mrs. 
Dare’s,” explained Mrs. O’Brien while her daughter 
I'emoved her shawl and hood. 

“ Dick go around for Doctor Lisle, I stopped at his 
office but he was not in. I don’t feel able to go back. 
I would have waited but I knew you would be uneasy 
if I was late coming home.” 

When the physician came he pronounced it a bad 
3 ( 33 ) 



34 


Rot and Rostrocks 


sprain, put it in a splint, and went away promising to 
return the next day. 

“ That means six weeks of idleness at the least,” 
groaned Mrs. O’Brien, fretting more over that fact than 
with the pain of her injured wrist, “What in the world 
will we do ! ” 

“ Don’t you worry mother. I’ll stay from school 
and work all day. I’ll get lots of jobs then besides sell- 
ing papers,” said Jack manfully. 

“An’ I can sell papers too,” cried Dick. 

“ What’s the matter with me ? Lots of fellers littler 
’n me sell ’em too,” exclaimed Roy excitedly. 

Rosyrocks clapped her hands, “ Me too Auntie Bwy 
go with Dick and Woy!” 

“ I might get a job minding a little child but I’ll be 
needed more at home” thought Evelyn, so she said aloud, 
“I’ll wait on mamma and keep house.” 

“ God bless all your willin’ hearts, my dears. Rosy- 
rocks can help Evie to keep house,” said Mrs. O’Brien 
touched with their devotion as they all pressed around 
her chair, clamoring to be of use. 

So a new mode of life began for them all. Jack 
did very well and Dick made a creditable showing. 


A gloomt Outlook 


35 


Sometimes Roy was allowed to accompany Dick but 
not often for the older boys teased the little fellow until 
his friend had several “tussles” on his account. Dick 
enjoyed the encounters being well able to champion his 
charge, but Mrs. O’Brien hearing of it thought it better 
to keep Roy at home. 

They practised many small economies biit with all 
they could not make up for the mother’s weekly earn- 
ings. Evelyn did the buying under her parent’s super- 
vision, but it was hard to make their wants fit into the 
small amount to be expended. As for the doctor’s bill it 
could wait he assured them ; and he was not one of those 
fabulous priced doctors who charge not less than five 
dollars for every shake of their supposedly wise heads, 
no matter how poor the patient might be. Dr. Lisle 
had the vocation of a real healer whose heart was not 
his poeketbook. Sometimes he was never paid for his 
services by the same people who cheat the grocer and 
the landlord, but even then there was a certain satisfac- 
tion in having baffled some disease and given relief to 
a sufferer, whieh proved a source of happiness, a recom- 
pense that the money-above-all doctor does not enjoy. 
For the true physician of the body as well as the true 


36 


Ror AND ROSTROCKS 


shepherd of the soul enjoys a reward past understanding 
by the sordid and the grasping. 

So Dr. Lisle gave his best to his patients, irrespective 
of their monetary conditions, and Mrs. O’Brien was as 
well attended as the doctor’s most fashionable patient. 
One day he found a new patient at the O’Briens this 
time poor Jack. 

For several days he had come home in the evening 
all done out. He tried bravely to hide his sickness but 
on the third morning he was compelled to go back to 
bed, being so dizzy that he could not stand. 

“ Threatened with fever,” was Dr. Lisle’s verdict. 

“Such hard lines just now,” grumbled Jack, “But 
guess I’ll be all right to-morrow.” 

But to-morrow and then many successive days brought 
no improvement. Mrs. O’Brien and her daughter were 
much discouraged at this new misfortune. 

“An’ my poor arm won’t be any real use for many 
weeks I’m afraid,” said the mother. 

The outlook was certainly gloomy. Dick’s meagre 
earnings was all they had to depend on. There was a 
small sum on hand that had been saved toward the rent 
but part of that must be spent for Jack’s medicine. Jack 


A Gloomy Outlook 


37 


was now too ill to bother about anything except at intervals, 
when the thought of their poverty added to his suft'erings^ 

Mrs. O’Brien and Evelyn only spoke of the situation 
to each other, the smaller ones of course did not under- 
stand, except perhaps Dick who made renewed efforts, 
by arising early and staying out late to bring in a few 
more pennies. 

When rent day came Mrs. O’Brien was obliged to 
ask for an extension of time. She had always before 
paid promptly but that seemed an added grievance to 
the agent. He did not know when if ever he would 
get the rental from several of his tenants, and a few 
had gone away without settling up, but Mrs. O’Brien’s 
defection seemed a personal affront. She, poor woman, 
supposed her previous promptness would be in her favor, 
on the contrary it told against her now. 

“ Why not send those Kennor youngsters to the 
poorhouse. No wonder people can’t pay their debts — 
keeping other people’s children,” snarled the agent. Mrs. 
O’Brien glanced apprehensively to where the children 
referred to were playing in a corner ; they were appar- 
ently too engrossed in their game to have noticed any- 
thing else. 


38 


R07^ and Rostrocks 


^^Sure/’ she answered relieved, Pd as soon think 
of sending me own, and you know well they haven’t 
kept me Irom paying the rent so far. It’s paid up to 
January first, and this is only the seventh of the month. 
I hope to have it ready against the last.” 

The man went away muttering, and Mrs. O’Brien’s 
good hand wiped away a tear she had been too proud 
to shed in his presence. The rent would have to be 
paid but where it was to come from she did not know. 

She glanced ruefully at her injured wrist. 

‘^We feel so big and able,” she sighed, but along 
comes an accident that takes away a leg or an arm — 
God be thanked when it’s not one’s sight — or sickness 
lays us low, and we see what we are. ’Tis only the 
rich who are free.” 

Mrs. O’Brien generally kept a brave front and a 
steadfast trust in the Lord but she had her despondent 
moods ; she felt decidedly ^'blue ” after the agent’s visit, 
she had expected him to be so different. 

Evelyn came in carr3fing a small basket in which 
were the few necessaries they had been able to buy. 
Her cheeks glowed with the frosty air. Rosyrocks ran 
forward and clasped her arms around Evelyn’s knees. 


A Gloomy Outlook 


39 


“Gracious me, but it’s cold outside, looks like it’s 
going to snow,” Evelyn cried. “Why mumsey, dear, 
what’s gone wrong? You look like a mourner weep- 
ing over that poor old chair. Is it ’cause it’s only got 
three good legs to stand on ? well that’s one better than 
we have.” 

“An’ I’ll make it a new leg Auntie Bry,” said 
Roy, “when Jack gets well and finds a job, he’s going 
to buy me a tool chest with a saw an’ hammer an’ every- 
thing you can me-ention. Won’t I cut a dandy leg?’’ 

He proceeded to take measurements with a string, 
while Rosyrocks not to be outdone, added, “An’ me an’ 
Evie’ll make you a cushion wike the wovey one in the 
store.” 

They clustered around Mrs. O’Brien who was smiling 
again and Evelyn rattled on ; “ So mumsey we’ll place 
you there on the four-legged chair with Rosyrocks’s 
cushion and your arm will be well enough to box the 

children’s ears soundly aird ” Just here Jack’s voice 

was heard and she ran into the adjoining room amid 
protesting cries of “ No, no, Evie’s ! ” 

“ O Eve, I’d just love to have a dish of ice cream, 
that big blue bowl full but don’t tell ma, just give me 


40 


ROT AND ROSTROCKS 


a drink of water like a good old girl ! I heard old 
Naylor talking with his loud mouth. I felt like goin’ in 
and kickin’ him out the door,” he said, fiercely, his anger 
and the water almost choking him. 

Evelyn comforted him as well as she could, long- 
ing to have the means to gratify his sick fancies for 
dainties. As she took the goblet from his hand she 
felt how hot it was. No wonder the thought of the 
cream was maddening ! Jack generally kept his long- 
ings to himself, knowing they were not to be fulfilled, 
but visions of great delicious peaches, white grapes, cool- 
ing oranges, and other things for which he had a great 
desire floated tantalizingly before him. 


CHAPTER IV. 


They Follow the Star 

HEN the young girl returned to the kitchen 
she found Roy helping his sister to get 
ready to accompany him to meet Dick, a 
thing they were often permitted to do. 

Evelyn assisted them to bundle up and 
they trundled away hand in hand. 

They generally waited for Dick at Clark’s window 
but occasionally strayed past there in a straight line for 
a short distance to where a certain druggist exhibited a 
collection of perfumery, and other bottles, with all sorts 
of soaps, and toilet articles with silver and ivory trim- 
mings, besides great green and red and orange vessels 
which gleamed in renewed brilliancy when the electric 
lights were turned on, and as darkness came on early 
these winter evenings the little folk often enjoyed the 
gorgeous display. 

Dick’s route lay beyond the pharmacy and he always 

returned that way expecting to find two eager, bundled 

( 41 ) 



42 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


up figures waiting there ; or if not he hurried on to 
Clark’s. 

Then his pockets were emptied of any treasures 
accumulated during the day, a bright new shining penny, 
a marble, sometimes a banana, or piece of candy. 

Ros^^rocks’s grasping baby hands often made a clutch 
for everything in sight while Roy stood finger in mouth 
looking on, until his dubious face or her own generosity 
made her repent of her greediness and she would force 
everything onto him and Dick. Then they would divide 
fairly, Roy always retiring in his small sister’s favor when 
the candy or bright tinsel paper was in question. 

The grand division being settled they proceeded home, 
Rosyrocks generally holding on tightly to Dick’s hand 
with Roy skipping along sometimes betore sometimes 
behind them. On reaching home all the pretty things 
were brought out for inspection and things eatable were 
always divided, even if the older ones took only the 
tiniest tiny taste. 

On this particular evening not finding Dick at the 
nearer store they went on to the druggist’s. Before 
reaching there a great clamor of voices and clanging 
of bells was heard behind them. 


Thet Foelow the Star 


43 


“What ter-rerible racket is that ? ” cried Roy, glancing 
around to find a hre engine speeding up the avenue 
followed by a great crowd of men and boys. In a few 
moments the noisy throng had gained on them and they 
were in its midst. Several half-grown boys clung to- 
gether forcing their way through sweeping the two little 
ones, who in vain tried to elude them, almost oil their 
feet. Roy threw an arm around his sister’s waist to 
enable her to keep up with him. It was useless to struggle 
in that mad rush and the children were carried along 
for what seemed an immense distance until at last worn 
out and panting they were left free at the corner of 
street. 

“Great Ju-ip-iter,” cried Roy hardly able to keep 
his footing, with Rosyrocks swaying against him, “You 
ain’t hurt sis, are you ? ” 

‘‘No, Woy, but where did we freiu to?” she fal- 
tered between breaths. “We didn’t fly, they pushed 
us along,” replied the boy looking around trying to find 
his bearings, while they could hear the noise of the 
crowd surging down another street. 

The corner where they stood was a quiet one, a 
chui'ch occupying one side and a great deserted looking 


44 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


building set back in gloomy grounds another. Every- 
where one could see were large dwellings but no stores. 
Roy could not remember ever to have been there be- 
fore. 

A few people went past wrapped in furs and over- 
coats ; they seemed to be in a hurry and only glanced 
momentarily at the two little strangers. 

Let’s go on an’ ask a p’liceman where we are,” 
said Roy at length. 

^^Is we wost ? ” 

‘^Not exact-i-ly replied Roy taking her hand 

and bravely going forward. 

‘^Has we wost poor Dick?” inquired Rosyrocks 
anxiously. 

^^No, an’ if he was along they wouldn’t pushed 
us this far, he'd have turned around and given ’em a 
oner ! ” said Roy who had great admiration for his friend’s 
prowess. 

They went along square after square but not an 
officer did they meet. Roy tried to put a brave face on 
the matter ; he was in truth becoming anxious but 
thought it would be cowardly to scare his little charge. 

By this time darkness had come on but not an in- 


They Follow the Star 


45 


tense darkness ; they could see several squares beyond 
them in a straight line, and a pale noon shone above 
with the big star beside her. 

“Wook, Woy, there’s mamma’s star. Won’t she 
know we’re wost and send Dick to find us ? ” asked 
the baby, her face turned hopefully toward the heavens. 
Roy too glanced at the serene point of light and in 
some way felt less lonely. 

‘‘Anyway she’ll keep us company,” he said. 

During their journey they had made several detours 
thinking to reach a busier part of the city but instead 
their surroundings grew more and more countr}/ like. 

Roy would have asked the way to number 26 Tre- 
maine Street, from the casual passer-by but he was afraid 
to do so, having been warned for as long back as he 
could remember, first by his mother and later by Mrs. 
O’Brien, that in case he were lost never to ask the way 
from any one except a policeman, the many cases of 
kidnapping having called forth the warning. Therefore 
when they met an occasional pedestrian they straightened 
up their tired bodies and held their heads erect looking 
straight forward. Rosyrocks, however, gave timid side 
glances at some of them, her fancy having turned them 


40 


Rot and Rostrocks 


into hobgoblins ready to devour fat little girls and boys. 
She wished fervently that she were not so fat; Roy too 
became in her eyes alarmingly chubby, his round red 
cheeks would surely attract their attention. 

As a general rule Roy and Rosyrocks were the 
reverse of this having a childish good will toward all 
the world and ready to give an answering smile to an}’ 
one who looked kindly into their beaming countenances. 
But then they had never before been in such a predica- 
ment ; its suddenness, the darkness and the cold, amid 
strange places, and the fear that they were miles and 
miles away from home engendered a feeling of terror 
such as one experiences on hearing tales of ghosts. 

Thus the harmless passers-by who would have gladly 
aided them were all unknown to themselves invested in 
frightful roles, indeed one portly gentleman who called 
Hello youngsters ! ’’ was no less a personage than one 
of the giants encountered by the valiant Jack himself, but 
alas. Jack was nowhere in sight now. 

The stranger was much surprised when by the light 
of a street lamp he saw the cherubic faces of the two 
tiny stragglers take on a look of terror while their owners 
ran away as fast as their small feet could carry them. 


Thet Follow the Star 


47 


But not knowing the facts he only whistled in surprise 
and continued his journey. 

“ Woy, le’s go home Fs so tired an’ I don’t see 
mamma’s star,” faltered the little girl. 

“It’s only hid by the clouds,” returned Roy, “I 
bet mamma’s watching through the clouds to see if 
we’re found yet ! ” Just then they reached a mansion 
with friendly lights shining from all the windows whose 
hall door blown partly open by the blast showed a cozy, 
inviting interior which inspired Roy with sudden con- 
fidence to inquire the way home, but just as he reached 
the threshold a tall man in livery shut the door in his 
face muttering something about “ little beggars.” 

Thus rudely repulsed the boy took his sister’s hand 
again and journeyed on. He could hardly drag his short 
legs along but he did not complain. He felt anxious on 
account of Rosyrocks whose steps lagged more and more. 

When they reached the next corner another street 
branched off to the right and Roy stood there for a 
moment undecided which way to go. 

Suddenly Rosyrocks cried: “Wook, Woy, there’s 
the star, the moon bwought it frew the cwouds ! ” 

“Let’s follow the star then,” exclaimed Roy with 


48 


Rot and Rostrocks 


animation. They turned to the road which branched off. 
After some time their way led to a lonely looking 
street with dwellings at long intervals, each with lawns 
and grounds with snow covered trees which Roy thought 
looked like enchanted forests where the gnomes dwelt. 
As for Rosyrocks she was too weary to notice where 
they were, and after a while her hand slid from Roy’s 
and she slipped to the pavements, they were icy and 
cold but she did not mind that. 

^^Come Rosyrocks, dear, you will catch cold there,” 
said Roy wisel}^ 

Ps cold — Ps tired, want to sweep,” she murmured. 
Her head bent drowsily forward. Roy felt like sitting 
down beside her, he was almost numb with the cold and 
very, very tired, but the sight of his little sister sitting 
there stirred him to renewed action, he felt that if he al- 
lowed her to go to sleep she would never more awake. 
He succeeded in lifting her half asleep to her feet. 

Listen dear, there’s a porch ahead, only a few 
steps, we can rest there, it’s right below the big star,” 
he whispered coaxingl3^ 

Rosyrocks wailed pitifully while she suffered herself 
to be half carried, half dragged forward. 


Thet Follow the Star 


49 


The friendly porch was perhaps twenty yards be- 
yond but that was a great distance in the little girl’s 
present state. There was another house closer just 
across the street and Roy thought of going there but 
the deep growl of a dog in that vicinity dissuaded him, 
so he struggled on almost carrying Rosyrocks. 

At last the porch was reached. Three steps led up to 
it, a brilliant light shone upon them from the wide vestibule. 

Roy succeeded in getting his burden up one step 
but her weight caused him to stumble, he fell forward 
managing instinctively to hold on to Rosyrocks who fell 
heavily against him and then on to the step, where Roy 
struggling to his feet saw her lying with closed eyes. 

“ Waken up, sister dear,” he cried tearfully, and then as 
she did not stir he screamed : “ She’s dead, she’s dead ! ” 
His terror gave him momentary strength to dart up 
to the door where he called loudly for help, then re- 
turning to the little girl he knelt down at her side. “ O 
Rosyrocks, do waken up,” he cried but she lay there 
ominously still. He gave a last loud scream for succor, 
a last imploring glance up to the big star shining piti- 
fully in the heavens and fell unconscious beside her, 
clasping her cold form protectingly in his arms. 


CHAPTER V. 


Where It Led Them 

WAS a beautiful room finished in mahogany 
with furnishings of dark red, the carpet, the 
curtains, the upholstering of the furniture 
were all in blended tones of red, while fine 
pictures, pieces of gleaming statuary, and vases 
of graceful or curious design on quaintly 
carved stands shone forth in added beauty under the 
softly-tempered light of the chandelier. 

A portiere partly looped back gave a glimpse of a 
smaller apartment beyond, from which a lady entered 
and crossing to a window stood gazing without. 

She was tall with fair hair massed at the back of 
her head, and wore a handsome house gown of fine 
woolen and silk mixture in a shade of blue with velvet 
trimmings of a darker shade, which fitted her slender 
form to perfection. As she stood holding back the 
curtains a ring on her hand caught the light and gleamed 
like a thing of fire. 

( 50 ) 



Where It Led Them 


51 


A gentleman of handsome, and commanding presence 
entered from the hallway a few minutes later and glanced 
around the room. The lady’s form was hidden by the 
hangings but the white hand and the gleaming stone 
arrested his attention. 

“ Oh, there you are Laurel, hiding away,” he cried 
coming forward. She turned to greet him, smilingly, 
“I was looking for you Wilbur,” she said, “but must 
have missed you by a minute. The night with the 
moonlight and the snow is beautiful but rather cold,' is 
it not ? ” 

He stood beside the mantel with one arm leaning 
on it and she sank as though wearied into a neighbor- 
ing chair. 

After a short conversation he asked anxiously, “ Are 
you tired Laurel, or ill?” 

“ Only a little tired. I suppose I ran around too 
much to-day,” she answered. 

“Where did you go, shopping I suppose?” 

“No, out to — the cemetery,” she replied slowly. 

He gave her a reproachful look, “ There again — 
so soon — and it always leaves you so unstrung!” 

“ O, Wilbur, I know I should not have gone. It is 


52 


Rot and kostrocks 


foolish — wicked — but something in the air — a dream 
I had last night — made me restless; I said to myself 
I’ll go and do some shopping but almost unconsciously 
I found myself taking the road — there!” He sighed. 

“ Laurel, I’ve been thinking we might take a trip 
this coming spring — say to Europe. So far you have 
resisted my entreaties to go away but I feel it would do 
you a world of good.” 

“I only thought of leaving them all alone in the 
graveyard.” 

“But, dear, that is a morbid thought. Where is 
our religion. Laurel, if it does not sustain us in the se- 
verest trials — even in one such as ours,” he cried 
somewhat sternly. 

“Wilbur, dearest, I feel all you could say, but I 
am not strong enough, not good enough to act up to 
my faith! Oh, it is hard — to lose our darlings — our 
only two in a day — with no preparation for the blow 
— for all through their short illness you know dear we 
never once dreamed of that.’’'’ 

Her husband was sitting beside her now, his hand 
closed sympathetically on hers. 

“ I know love, how hard it is, especially for you, 


Where It Led Them 


53 


here all day where everything reminds you of them — 
our lost treasures. I have my affairs outside, work which 
distracts my attention but sometimes for a moment it 
all comes back. I know how you feel and how bravely 
you smile often when your heart is sad and mine has 
bled for you, at this Christmas time above all.” 

She was weeping softly. “Wilbur, I went down 
street through the stores and saw the loads of toys, 
the crowds of delighted children, the happy parents and 
friends with bundles, gifts for the children, the trees 
sent home to be decorated and lighted up to gladden 
them and I thought of last season when we too planned 
for our darlings while they whispered and wondered 
what Santa Claus would bring them, but this year we 
had no little ones to buy for — we had only two small 
snow covered graves. Well, dear, you know what we 
brought them — flowers to be laid above them in the 
snow but they — they did not know!” 

“ But how happy you made many others in the 
hospitals with gifts, you still have the power to confer 
happiness that way my Laurel.” 

“More your own thought than mine, Wilbur, but 
how selfish I am — yes, we will take a trip, you need 


54 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


a rest too — it will do us both good,” she said trying 
to brighten up. “ But I must tell you of my dream, 
you know about my younger sister who ran away and 
was married just before we met — well, I thought we 
were children together again, she and I, — she was a 
pretty child with golden hair and great blue eyes with 
such a shining starry light leaping out when she was 
bent on a frolic — well, I thought she came and leaned 
over my shoulder and said, ‘ Don’t worry over the old 
books, Law, let’s forget them and be happy,’ her very 
words when she would come sometimes to coax me 
away from my books, for I was fond of study and not 
always ready to play when she was. I heard her voice 
and saw her dancing glance and felt her arms around 
my neck — dear Venetia. Hark! Wilbur, what is that.^” 
she cried arising affrighted. Her companion jumped up 
at the same moment. 

“ I too heard something like a cry of distress. Don’t 
get nervous Laurel, perhaps ’twas only the wind ! ” 

“It affected me peculiarly, it seemed to pierce to 
my heart,” the lady said following him into the hall. 
As he opened the door a fierce gust of wind and snow 
rushed in. They went out together into the vestibule. 


Where It Led Them 


55 


‘‘Wilbur, look, what is that heap on the steps,” she 
cried. 

They bent to examine the dark mass on which the 
light from the open door shone brightly. 

“I declare Laurel if it isn’t ” 

“Why, Wilbur, a child!” 

“Two of them nearly frozen!” He gathered up 
the smaller child — a girl, and carried her into the house 
while his wife remained beside the other child. She 
felt the beating of his heart. “ Thank God he is alive ! 
What a beautiful boy!” she murmured pityingly. She 
succeeded in lifting him up in her arms and gave him 
to her husband who returned at that moment, having 
deposited the little girl on a couch in the parlor. The 
boy was laid on another couch and they proceeded to 
try and arouse them from their stupor. 

“ How lovely they are ! ” cried the mistress of the 
house, chafing the baby’s hands and feet, which were 
beautifully rounded but marble cold. Her tiny shoes and 
striped woolen stockings and shabby blue sacque had 
been removed, and when her hood was taken off her 
shining dark curls fell around her chubby cheeks which 
instead of red were now blue roses. 


56 


R02^ and ROSl^ROCKS 


A maid who had been summoned entered the room, 
looking aghast at the strange scene. ^^Why Mrs. Moore 
what’s happened. Where did these pretty babes come 
from?” she cried. 

They explained and she hurried away for warm drinks. 

Mrs. Moore was becoming alarmed at the failure 
of her efforts to arouse her charge. Her husband in the 
meantime was working with the boy with more success, 
he seemed to breathe more naturally. 

Then hot liquids were administered a spoonful at a 
time until at last the boy opened his eyes and sat up. 
He looked surprised at the strange faces and the luxuri- 
ously furnished apartment. Suddenly he gave a cry, O, 
Rosyrocks ! Where’s Rosyrocks ? ” for it was indeed our 
friend Roy. 

Your little playmate, your sister Eh ? She is right 
across the room ! ” 

Then she ain’t dead. She scared me so when she 
wouldn’t speak!” 

Bring him over to see her. I think she’s coming 
around now,” said Mrs. Moore, who aided by a maid 
was working over Rosyrocks. Just as her brother reached 
her side she opened her eyes. 


Where It Led Them 


57 


“Woy, Pm so sweepy, and we wost Dick, and the 
star,” she murmured sinking to sleep again in a healthy 
refreshing slumber which removed all cause of alarm. 

“ Is she all right ” asked Roy anxiously. 

“Yes, my brave boy. You can eat some supper 
now and go to bed and sleep sound.” 

“ But I must go home, they’ll think I went and 
lost Rosyrocks ! ” 

“ Who are they ? ” 

“ Why Auntie Bry an’ Evie an’ Dick an’ Jack. 
Jack’s sick and wants ice cream but Evie can’t buy him 
any so Dick an’ me an’ Rosyrocks we’re saving up our 
pennies to get him some.” Mrs. Moore came over and 
knelt beside the couch listening to the conversation. 

‘‘Wilbur, as soon as this boy opened his eyes he re- 
minded me of some one I know well but I can’t tell 
whom. It puzzles me strangely,” she said in an under- 
tone. 

“Well, little boy, tell me your name.” 

“ Roy.” 

“What’s your mamma’s name, where does she live ?” 

“Mamma lives away oft'! She watches us from be- 
hind the big star that keeps the moon company,” replied 


58 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


Roy gravely. The lady kissed him impulsively. “ His 
mother is dead ! ” she observed in a tone of pity. 

“Now tell us where you live, you know the street 
Pm sure, and your aunt’s name.” 

“Mr. Naylor called her Mrs. O’Brien, he’s a bad 
man, told Auntie Bry to send us to the poorhouse, 
’cause Auntie Bry’s arm is hurt an’ Jack’s sick an’ she 
couldn’t pay the rent, an’ it’s number Twenty-six Tre- 
maine Street, but now I must go re-al-ly,” he concluded 
sliding to his feet. 

“Wait, my boy, and Pll tell you what we can do. 
Pll telephone the police station and if any inquiries are 
made your friends will hear of your safety. Come with 
me Roy.” 

They all three proceeded to the library across the 
hall which proved to be a large pleasant room finished 
in oak and green, with book cases all around the walls 
and a square table in the centre ornamented with a fine 
reading lamp and a large globe on a brass stand. Then 
there were a few exquisite engravings appropriately 
framed, busts of literary or scientific celebrities, and many 
easy chairs, forming altogether a delightful spot for work 
or recreation. 




“Then He Shouted into the Instrument with All the Strength 

oE His Lungs” 






Where It Led Them 


59 


Mr. Moore called up the station. Sure enough a 
boy and girl had been there to report the case about 
seven o’clock. 

“Just think my dear,” exclaimed he to his wife, 
“ these children left home at four o’clock, we found them 
at half past seven, no wonder the3^ were exhausted, 
tramping so far!” 

The bell tinkled again, “ Sergeant Kamp says that 
Evelyn and Dick O’Brien are there now. Come Roy 
and they will talk with you.” 

Roy came forward looking rather mystified. The 
receiver was put to his ear. He heard the singing of 
the wire and then a voice far away. 

“Hurrah, it’s Dick, and now Evelyn,” he cried 
jumping with joy. Then he shouted into the instrument 
with all the strength of his lungs. 

“ I was afraid I couldn’t speak loud enough,” he 
exclaimed. 

Mr. Moore laughed. “ I think they might have heard 
that without the aid of the wire,” he remarked. Then 
he spoke into the telephone for several minutes. 

“ Come to dinner now. I sent word to Mrs. O’Brien 
that you two are safe, that we will keep you all night 


(30 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


and bring you home in the morning. Sergeant Kamp 
will assure her of our reliability as he knows me very 
well/’ he added to his wife. 

Mrs. Moore and Roy went back to have a look at 
Rosyrocks, before going to the meal. She stirred and 
awoke as they entered the parlor. She sat up and took 
hold of her bare toes. 

O Woy, did the giant took m}^ shoes?” she asked 
plaintively. 

See, love, here they are,” said Mrs. Moore sooth- 
ingly, picking up from the floor the tiny patched shoes 
which looked absurdly out of place on the costly oriental, 
rug. 

Appeased on that score their owner hugged them 
to her breast and began to sob, want Auntie Bwy 
an’ Dick an’ Evie an’ Jack!” 

They succeeded in comforting her by promising to 
take her home the next morning. Presently Mrs. Moore 
carried her into the dining-room and placed her on a big 
chair beside Roy. 

Then the lady waited on them and watched them 
while they ate ; her kindness and interest soon banished 
their shyness ; they enjoyed the good things and the pretty 


'Where It Led Them 


61 


plates and saucers and mugs, indeed Rosyrocks was so 
much pleased with her mug all decorated as it was 
with flowers and a ring of dancing children that she 
refused to give it up at the conclusion of the meal and 
was permitted to take it to bed with her. The lady 
won her heart by telling her she might keep it “for 
good ” as Roy expressed it, and he too was gladdened 
by the gift of a plate surrounded by a gilt alphabet with 
a boy and girl wading in a cool stream in the centre. 

After the children were snugly tucked away for the 
night in a pretty double bed which had once held two 
other tin}/ sleepers Mrs. Moore descended to the library 
where her husband sat reading. 

Glancing up he noticed her animated expression, the 
deepened color in her cheeks, the absence of that worn 
look which had saddened him of late. 

“ Our unexpected visitors seem to have done you 
good Laurel,” he remarked. 

“Yes, I don’t know when I felt so excited, so in- 
terested ! How I should love to keep them ! ” 

“Do you know, the little girl reminds me of you — 
in some elusive way that I cannot explain,” said Mr. 
Moore. 


62 


Ror AND Rostrocks 


“And Roy resembles some one I know well — it 
perplexes me.” 

“You must tell their aunt to send them often to 
visit you.” 

“Yes, I should enjoy that. I feel that we can do 
much for them. I actually long to fetch poor Jack the 
dainties he craves ! and the poor mother with her broken 
arm !” 

“ They are evidently in need, as you say we can 
help them all materially. I am glad they happened in 
here.” 

“‘Happened,’” returned the lady in a musing tone, 
“ I wonder if anything ever just ha'p'pens in this world ! ” 


CHAPTER VI. 


Lost and Found 

HEN Dick came home from work he was sur- 
prised to find the two children absent, that 
they had started some time before to meet 
him. No one felt any anxiety thinking they 
had merely missed each other. Dick re- 
traced his footsteps whistling cheerily at 
first, but as the time went by and still their familiar 
forms were not to be seen the blithe notes ceased. He 
found no trace of them beyond Clark’s window where 
the flaxen -haired girl whom he met said she had seen 
them stop for a minute and then go straight on up the 
street. This would lead them to their usual waiting 
place at the pharmacy, but they were not to be seen 
in that vicinity. 

He returned home pale and worried bringing con- 
sternation for they all fully expected to see Rosyrocks 
and Roy with him. 



( 63 ) 


64 


ROl^ AND ROSTROCKS 


Snatching a hasty mouthful of bread and coffee he 
and Evelyn hurried a^vay to search anew, but with 
no success. A man whom they interrogated directed 
them to the police station where they left their ad- 
dress in case anything was learned. Returning home 
footsore and weary to Mrs. O’Brien and Jack who 
waited impatiently, they all discussed the situation 
trying to believe that everything would turn out all 
right. 

The neighbors hearing the news came and went 
speaking in whispers, ^^As if we had a funeral,” com- 
plained Jack who was glad they were not allowed to 
come into his room. ^^The doctor’s orders,” Evelyn ex- 
plained to the more importunate; the patient’s, ditto,” 
murmured Jack, happy to be spared their mournful head 
shakings. 

The more helpful sent their older children out m 
different directions to hunt the wanderers, but they all 
returned discouraged. In a couple of hours the O’Briens’s 
kitchen was filled by the friendly and the merely curi- 
ous acquaintances who lived in-Tremaine Street. Many 
tales were told about lost children, doleful or cheerful, 
according to the temperament of the relator. One jolly 


Lost and Found 


65 


looking young woman in particular narrated the most 
dismal anecdotes which, coming from one of her jovial 
appearance, made them seem the more direful. At the 
conclusion of one of those harrowing stories Dick felt 
that there was no use hoping, Rosyrocks and Roy were 
lost forever. He crept to Evelyn’s side and proposed 
with a choked sob in his voice that they should go 
again to the station. Evelyn readily consented, feeling 
that action was better than sitting still with sick hearts 
and troubled minds, so with a few whispered words to 
her mother they went away, while the doleful neighbor 
with the deceiving face of gayety condoled with Mrs. 
O’Brien on the train of misfortunes which had followed 
her family in the last few weeks ; first her own acci- 
dent, then Jack’s illness, and now the kidnapping — as 
she expressed it — of the children, wondering what would 
happen next, until the poor woman feeling something 
like Dick had done excused herself and went into Jack’s 
room to shed a few tears in privacy. “ Don’t worry 
mummer, you know the poet says ‘ the darkest hour is 
just before the dawning.’ You’ll soon see the sun come 
out lookin’ as bright as my shoes when I shine ’em up 
for Sundays,” said the boy hopefully. 


66 


Rot and Rostrocks 


His mother smiled as she adjusted his pillow with 
one hand and smoothed back his tumbled hair. “ I hope 
so dear. We will trust in the Lord,” she said feeling 
more comforted. 

In the meanwhile Dick and his sister heard the good 
news at the station as we know. They were so rejoiced 
they could hardly speak when the kindly sergeant adjusted 
the telephone for their accommodation. Dick’s voice 
sounded so shaky he wondered how Roy could tell it 
was he, and when Roy’s sturdy “ Hello ” came it sounded 
so close, so familiar, that one would think Roy was stand- 
ing just back of the instrument and could be seen if one 
could only “ scrouge through,” as Rosyrocks would say. 

Dick did not like the idea of not seeing them until 
the next day, he wanted to go and bring them back at 
once ; but Evelyn decided that she and Dick must huryy 
home to relieve the anxious ones there and ask their 
mother’s advice as to what should be done further. 

Great was the rejoicing when they rushed in radiant 
to announce the news. Some of the neighboring men 
knew Mr. Moore by reputation. He kept a large manu- 
facturing establishment up town and employed many men 
who spoke very highly of him. 


Lost and Found 


67 


A great load was lifted from their hearts. 

“We can all go to sleep in peace, thanks be to God. 
We won’t send for them to-night Dick dear, the little 
things must be worn out, it might be their death to bring 
them out again this cold weather,” concluded Mrs. 
O’Brien. 


CHAPTER VII. 


A Strange Discovery 

E children next morning showed no trace of 
their last night’s adventure. Mrs. Moore’s 
fears on that score were set at rest. 

Rosyrocks drank her milk out of the 
pretty mug, stopping it on its way to her 
mouth to examine and gloat over it, and to 
glance anon at Mrs. Moore with beaming eyes and mur- 
mur, ^^Sank ’oo.” 

May Dick dwink out of my wovey wittle mug ? ” 
she asked, and her joy was increased by the smiling per- 
mission. Roy, less demonstrative but equally grateful, 
named many of the letters which adorned his plate feel- 
ing very proud when the lady praised his ability. 

The time passed quickly and soon the carriage stood 
waiting at the door, while the little ones watched it awe- 
struck from the parlor window. The horses lifted their 
trim feet impatiently and tossed their heads eager to be 

away through the frosty air. 

( 68 ) 



A Strange Discovert 


69 


“Won’t the horses wost themselves taking us back 
home?” inquired Rosyrocks. 

“No, you just bet they know the way all over the 
city. Ain’t they fine, not like Clark’s slow old Bess ! ” 
said Roy, critically, scornful of his old friend who had 
often hauled him sitting in state beside the driver the 
length of Tremaine Street the envied of all the other 
boys in the block. 

Then they wandered into the library where Roy 
showed his sister the telephone on which he had spoken 
to Dick and Evelyn. While he was trying to explain 
it Mrs. Moore came down stairs all ready for the drive. 
She stood in the doorway watching them and presently 
her husband joined her. 

“ How they brighten the room and just about the 
age of our dear Vennie and Will,” sighed the lady. 

“Were Dick and Evie in the wittle house?” asked 
Rosyrocks eying the instrument doubtfully. 

“Yes an’ Dick said to kiss Rosyrocks for him!” 
Roy assured her. 

“An’ Evie, too?” 

“Yes Evie, too, I heard her smiling just as 
plain I ” 


70 


Rot and Rostrocks 


Rosyrocks pursed out her lips. Dick might scwooge 
in there,” she said incredulously “but Evie’s too big!” 

Roy gave a boyish shout at the child’s odd conceit. 
His twinkling eyes encountered Mrs. Moore’s amused 
glance. 

She exclaimed on the moment : “ Wilbur, I have it, 
he reminds me of my sister ! As soon as he laughed 
that way I knew it — her very manner. It is strange, 
for a child of her own could not more closely resemble 
Venetia than this little Roy O’Brien!” 

The last words were overheard by Roy who think- 
ing she called him came forward saying, “Yes ma’am, 
but that’s not my name, though the kids all call me that. 
My name is Royal Verne Kennor and Rosyrocks’s name 
is Laurel Kennor!” 

The look which the lady’s face assumed startled him. 
An expression of mingled surprise and fear. 

She rushed forward and caught him by the shoulders. 
Unconscious of the tight grasp, she cried in a strained 
voice, “ What is that you said child ? What is your 
name ? ” 

Roy repeated his name wondering at the lady’s ex- 
citement. 


A Strange Discovert 


71 


She turned to her husband who seemed to share in 
her amazement. 

“Wilbur, what does this mean. Do I hear aright?’’ 

“ It is strange, Laurel dear. There must be some- 
thing in this remarkable similarity! Royal Kennor — the 
name of Venetia’s husband — Verne, your maiden name, 
and the baby, too, named Laurel I ” 

“ Can it be that her children were saved after all ? 
The account said that husband and wife and both chil- 
dren perished in the fire ! ” 

“Yes, and surviving friends assured the detective we 
sent to investigate that there was no chance of their 
escape but they may have been deceived!” 

“ I am sure they were, and this remarkable resem- 
blance ! ” 

“ Compose yourself, my love ! Sit down while I 
question the boy,” said Mr. Moore who was much agi- 
tated in spite of his calm exterior. 

“No, Wilbur, it would be too good — I must be 
dreaming — How can we explain the O’Brien’s ” 

“ Ro}^ my son, tell me, is Mrs. O’Brien your real 
aunt ? ” 

“No sir, only ado-pteder when mamma died!” 


72 


Rot and Rostrocks 


Mrs. Moore gave a startled cry ; her clasp around 

the little girl who had crept to her side grew closer. 

Was she indeed Venetia’s daughter, her own little niece ? 
As if in a dream she heard her husband’s questions 

and Roy’s artless recital of his life as far back as he 
could remember. 

His father, of whom he had only a faint memory, 
was lost in a big fire — his mamma, Rosyrocks, and 

himself came a long journey on the cars — they lived 
on Tremaine Street — his mamma sewed — she got sick 
and Auntie O’Brien took care of them all ; one day 
mamma was carried away in a long box and they went 
to live with Auntie O’Brien. 

As Roy proceeded he revealed, unconsciously, 
the many, many kindnesses of the family who had so 
lovingly taken them into their home and hearts. 

“I cannot doubt it — they are my own dear sister’s 
children — my heart went out to them from the first,” 
cried Mrs. Moore. “ Dear children call me Aunt Laurel 
for I am 3'our aunt — your mamma’s own sister!” 

They clung to her affectionately — wonderingly — 
while she caressed them and gazed into their eyes with 
loving glances, each moment discovering some new 


A Strange Discovert 


73 


point of resemblance to her long lost sister. Mr. Moore 
joined in her new found happiness. “ I think they are 
indeed Venetia’s children. No doubt Mrs. O’Brien will 
verify the fact,” he said. 

Let us go at once ! Noble-hearted woman, how 
can we ever repay her ? ” returned his wife starting up 
and helping the children with trembling hands to put 
on their shabby wraps. Rosyrocks did not forget the 
package which contained her precious mug, in spite of 
the great haste in which they were bundled off to the 
carriage ; for as she expressed it, “I must show my wovey 
cup to Auntie Bwy an’ Dick an’ Jack an’ Evie.” 

They were both so excited over the novelty of a car- 
riage ride, the discovery of a new aunt and uncle, and the 
delightful prospect of soon seeing their friends that they 
were too full for words ; they beamed out the windows 
at the passing throngs, at each other, and at Mr. and 
Mrs. Moore, and when a sudden jolt of the vehicle 
threw Rosyrocks against the gentleman she clung to 
him and called ‘‘Uncle Wauwe” in a way that quite 
won his heart. 

“ And to think only for their getting lost we might 
never have learned of their existence,” remarked the lady. 


74 


Ror AXD Rosvrocks 


“ It was a strange coincidence that they should have 
come to our door,” said her husband. 

“No, Wilbur dear, not strange, a kindly Providence 
sent them to comfort us in our loss.” 

While* Roy, to whose childish comprehension had 
come the knowledge of their new relations’ claims, said 
convincingly, “ No wonder mamma made the star stop 
right above her own sister’s house ! ” 




Evelyn Brought a Large Square of Ice Cream in to Jack on a 
Dainty White Saucer” 


CHAPTER VIII. 


The Sun Shines Through 

WAS a great event on Tremaine Street that 
morning when a fine carriage rolled up and 
stopped at No. 26. In a moment doors and 
windows all along the way were opened 
and many heads peered out while a dozen 
or more children congregated around the 
shining equipage to watch the proceedings. 

Jack from his prison craned his neck to glance 
without, while Evelyn and Dick ran to the front door. 
Two small familiar forms darted from the carriage, one 
with the strings of her scarlet hood flying in the breeze 
made a grab first for Dick screaming, “ I’ve found him, 
he’s not wost !” and then kissed Evelyn rapturously; the 
other whose yellow locks shono in the wintry sun waved 
his cap and went through a similar performance while 
the onlookers cheered lustily, sharing in the general 
hilarity. 



( 76 ) 


70 


Rot and Rostrocks 


Mrs. O’Brien in the kitchen heard the joyful clamor^ 
the well-known tones of the recovered ones, the trip- 
ping footsteps, and in a moment they were both clinging 
around her while between hugs she tried to welcome 
Mr. and Mrs. Moore who brought up the rear, escorted 
by Evelyn. 

Indeed ma’am,” said Mrs. O’Brien fervently, 
couldn’t have felt sorrier to lose them nor more rejoiced 
to get them back, thanks to the Lord and to you, than 
if they were my very own.” 

The children invaded Jack’s room and he was hugged 
in turn while the elders with Evelyn remained talking 
in the kitchen. The gentleman took a chair beside the 
spotless pine table while a rocking chair from the next 
room was placed for his wife who noted at once the 
neatness of the poor little room where the Christmas 
garlands still hung undisturbed. 

Mrs. O’Brien and Evelyn listened breathlessly to the 
tale related by the visitors, of how the little ones were 
found unconscious at their door ; but when they came to 
the strange discovery made that morning their wonder 
and amazement increased. They glanced at each other 
as if to say, that explains the warmth, the unexpected 


The Sun Shines Through 


77 


cordiality of their greeting which surprised us so at 
first ! ” 

Mrs. O’Brien in turn narrated all she knew of Mrs. 
Kennor, that her husband Royal Kennor was an actor 
who lost his life in a fire in a western city. His wife 
with the children was out making calls at the time to 
which circumstance they owed their lives. Mrs. Kennor 
took the little money realized from the sale of the jewelry 
she had worn on that fatal day and came back east where 
she thought she would feel more at home. 

Then Mrs. O’Brien told of her friendship with the 
hapless lady, of her residing next door, her sickness and 
death, leaving the children in her neighbor’s care. 

“ Poor Mrs. Kennor often spoke of her sister. ‘ If she 
knew she would come to me, dear Law,’ or some name 
like that she used to say,” concluded the speaker brush- 
ing away a tear; then noting Mrs. Moore’s extreme 
agitation she said ‘‘ Evie run and get the lady a glass of 
water.” 

“Thank you, Evelyn dear, the water has revived me, 
I am all right now Wilbur, don’t worry.” 

“ Poor Venetia, why did she not write, why did she 
never answer my letters.^” 


L.ofC. 


78 


Rot and Rostrocks 


‘‘ She said she never received any letters, she was 
afraid you never got the ones she wrote you. She 
thought your uncle intercepted and destroyed them.” 

‘‘Uncle was a stern, cold man. He brought us 
two up and never forgave Venetia for her marriage 
with an actor. He may have intercepted the letters 
— I do not know — but no more of that — he is dead 
now.” 

“ I have some things belonging to Mrs. Kennor that 
I was keeping for the children. Run and get them 
Evie dear,” said Mrs. O’Brien after a pause. 

These mementos verified the story. A few letters, 
certificates, a knit purse once given Venetia by her sis- 
ter, an old tintype of them both, girls together, a pho- 
tograph of Mrs. Kennor, and several of her husband in 
theatrical costume. 

While Mrs. Moore examined them with tears in her 
eyes, Rosyrocks came running into the room, and went 
to her new uncle crying, “Wook at my weaf Unc 
Wauwe.” She climbed upon his lap and related in her 
vivid baby style all about their trip to the- “woods” 
where the “ wovey weaf” which adorned the clock was 
purchased. 


The Sun Shines Through 


79 


Mrs. Moore observing how the child had taken her 
husband’s heart by storm smiled through her tears. 
She glanced at Mrs. O’Brien who smiled in sympathy. 
^‘The little thing creeps into one’s heart before you 
know it and so does Roy, but more quiet like,” said 
Auntie Bry. 

Then the two women, one in her costly robes and 
furs, the other in plain work-day attire, drawn together 
in this strange way spoke to each other like old friends. 
Mrs. Moore told of her loss, of her grief for her own 
children whom her new-found nephew and niece would 
in a manner replace. 

Dear lady I’m glad you found them, surely the 
Lord directed them to your door, and it will be best 
for them, though it will grieve our hearts to part with 
them,” said Mrs. O’Brien. 

But I am not so selfish as to take them away 
altogether from those who have been mother and brothers 
and sister to them ; no, believe me they shall spend a great 
part of the time with you, and your children must come 
to our house often. O, Mrs. O’Brien if you knew how 
happy this makes me ! But tell me of yourself and chil- 
dren I am interested in them all ; you will allow Wilbur 


80 


Rot and Rostrocks 


and me to help you as freely as you have helped dear 
Venetia and her friendless babes!’’ 

After a while Mr. and Mrs. Moore drove away with 
the understanding that they would return the next day 
to bring the two children to their new home ; Dick, 
too, was to go if he wished and stay until he got tired. 

I will not ask Evelyn to stay for any length of 
time just now as she is needed at home ; but after while 
when you can spare her I shall be glad to have her for 
many long visits, she appears to be so bright and womanly 
for her age that she will seem like a dear younger sister,” 
Mrs. Moore declared as she gave the girl’s hand a good- 
bye squeeze. 

The O’Brien children and Roy and Rosyrocks did 
not know whether to laugh or to cry over the new 
events, so they did both alternately. Dick consoled him- 
self by remembering Mr. Moore’s whispered promise 
that he, Dick, was to learn to ride a real live pony and 
in turn teach the two little ones. Evelyn declared that 
the Moores were the only ones that she would ever con- 
sent to give the babies up to. Jack gave an occasional 
sniffle all by himself until his mother comforted him with 
the news that he was to be taken into Mr. Moore’s office 


The Sun Shines Through 


81 


as soon as he was strong enough, which he declared 
did him more good than a ton of medicine, and Mrs. 
O’Brien’s thanks to the Lord were mingled with tears 
which she did not let the children see. When Roy and 
Rosyrocks rebelled outright and declared they would 
never, never leave Auntie Br}^ and Evie and Dick and 
Jack, the whole family united in consoling them, saying 
they were to visit their old home and their new turn 
about, and everything else they could think of until, child- 
like, they were pacified and ready to go lovingly with their 
new aunt and uncle. 

Later in the day a large hamper was left at No. 26 
Tremaine Street. It contained everything you could 
think of both good and appetizing to eat. 

Evelyn brought a large square of ice cream in to 
Jack on a dainty white saucer. It was a new kind to 
him, in different colored layers, pink, green, orange, 
chocolate, and white, and how delicious it tasted ! 

“When I asked for ice cream I never thought of 
swallowing a rainbo'w^’’ he declared, gulping down the 
last spoonful. 

‘‘And ma has lots of money — more than we ever 

had in all our lives before — and Mrs. Moore says you 

6 


82 


Rot and Rosvrocks 


are to have everything you want, except of course I 
s’pose a gold watch or, or a centi^^A^ — and you’re to 
get well and go into Mr. Moore’s office, and we are 
all to live in a cottage in the country and take care of 
their summer home, as soon as ma’s arm is strong ; 
and — and — just see some of the good things they sent 
in the hamper,” cried Evelyn running away out of breath. 

She carried in the things one at a time, poultry 
and vegetables and fruit — grapes and peaches and 
oranges, the kind for which he had longed — to be 
looked at. But you mustn’t think of tasting it till we 
ask Dr. Lisle!” she warned him. 

Ask Dr. Lisle, indeed ! Why I’m starved, I could 
swallow the hamper and all in it and Rosyrocks be- 
sides,” cried Jack as the little maid came tripping in 
holding her mug aloft, with Dick and Ro}^ at her side 
and Mrs. O’Brien in the rear. 

^‘Dwink out my wovey mug,” she gurgled reaching 
it up to Jack. 

I drink to everybody’s health — in milk,” he cried 
putting it to his lips. 

They all clustered around his bed and drank in 
turn to everybody’s happiness out of Rosyrocks’s wovey” 


7^he Sun Shines Through 


83 


mug which proved a veritable loving cup, while the 
bright winter sunlight came in flooding the room and 
shining on the happy group — Jack sitting propped among 
his pillows, pale but smiling ; Evelyn girlishly animated 
and expectant ; Dick and Roy and Rosyrocks with laugh- 
ing, radiant faces, and Auntie Bry quietly content in the 
fairer day which had dawned upon them all. 


The End. 


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